Five Bold Predictions For Week 16

You’ve made it. While many of your colleagues and friends have fallen, you’re playing in week 16 of your fantasy league. Sit/Start decisions have never been more crucial, because there is no next week! Listed below are several predictions that could help you bring home that title you’ve been working toward…

Andy Dalton Will Bounce Back In Week 16

The Bengals struggled on a few key plays in their 30-20 loss at Pittsburgh. Being that the game was on national television, the sports world has developed an adverse opinion of Dalton and the Bengals overall chances. One week ago, the Bengals crushed Indianapolis and were comfortably on top of the AFC North. I still see the Bengals winning the division with a win this week against Minnesota and New England topping the Ravens. Additionally, I feel that Andy Dalton can help you win your Fantasy Football Championship. If you don’t own a sure-fire quarterback, the position has been a weekly debate all season. If one of your mid-tier quarterbacks is Dalton, there is no question who your guy is. Dalton faces the 30th ranked Vikings defense at home, where the Bengals haven’t lost. When the Red Rifle has been on this year, he’s been great; this is one of those weeks.

Marshawn Lynch Will Have A Strong Showing Against Arizona’s Defense

Arizona’s top ranked run defense looks tough, but its nothing that “Beast Mode” can’t handle. In their Week 7 match-up, Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 21 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. This week’s game is in Seattle, where the Seahawks have been unbeatable. If the Seahawks are able to build a lead, Lynch could carry the ball 25+ times and he doesn’t waste any opportunities. This hard-nosed running back is always a good bet to lead your fantasy team, regardless of the opponent.

Kendall Wright Will Torch The Jaguars Secondary

Throughout this entire season, nobody has been more under appreciated than Tennessee Titans’ WR Kendall Wright. The second year receiver has already surpassed the 1,000 yard mark this season and is on pace to have 100 receptions. His fantasy value has taken a hit because he’s only scored two touchdowns, but this Sunday’s championship will be the time for him to pay back all of his owners. After giving Jacksonville their first win this year, the Titans are going to be looking for revenge. This game is sure to be a shootout and Wright will benefit tremendously by matching his season total for touchdowns.

Julius Thomas Will Not Be A Fantasy Presence Against Houston

Thomas has been a weapon in the tight end spot all season. He has been a great find for owners who plucked him off of the waiver wire, or rolled the dice on him late in a draft early on. However, the Broncos have already clinched a playoff berth and are closing in on the division. They should be able to build an early lead against the Texans and give their starters a break. Thomas, a crucial part of their offense, has been bothered by lingering injuries all season. John Fox will look to get him as much rest as possible to try to make a Super Bowl run.

Greg Zuerlein Will Be A Strong Play Against Tampa Bay

Although Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein has converted on 91.7% of his kicks this year, he hasn’t been on the field enough to be a trusted fantasy kicker. Only 21% and 9% owned in ESPN and Yahoo! leagues, Zeurlein has been nothing more than a streaming option in 2013. However, St. Louis faces a Buccaneers squad that has given up the seventh most points to kickers thus far. Moreover, the Rams play indoors, where weather won’t be a factor late in December. It wouldn’t shock me if Zuerlein put up double digit points for only the fourth time this season and helped win a couple of fantasy titles.

Disclaimer

These Five Bold Predictions For Week 16 are Trace Lanson’s personal views for this weeks games. These predictions are not apart of Gridiron Experts weekly playoff fantasy player rankings.

Trace Lanson

Trace Lanson, a native Floridian, is a Business Management major at Northwood University. He is currently a basketball player, learning from the hall of fame coach, Rollie Massimino. His earliest memories of fantasy sports bring him back to his Madden purchases as a youngster. Trace recalls fantasy drafting and simulating the seasons, rather than enjoying traditional gameplay.